Djetpuy Dhäwu Mala Radio Plays

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Over four radio plays we hear the story (dhawu) of Djet the Osprey morphing his way into the human character Bamapama due to a lack of discipline (raypirri) and respect for Yolŋu law and culture (rom).

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Yolŋu Matha with some English

Over four radio plays we hear the story of Djet the Osprey morphing his way into the human character Bamapama due to a lack of discipline (raypirri) and respect for Yolŋu law and culture (rom).

This program is not currently available to the general public. Yolŋu are invited to contact us for access.

The first play is in the beginning, when he is just a boy and makes a terrible mistake. The other 3 plays move on through different periods of Bamapama’s life as both man and Djet, the Osprey. Bamapama becomes a cheeky and mischievous man, always plotting to get what he wants which in turn carries the stories through both a dramatic and comical series of events.

1 - Djet story

Traditional Story narrated and acted out as a radio play, accompanied by soundscape. The story is one of ’raypirri‘ or discipline and the consequences of knowingly disobeying cultural laws (rom). A young boy turns into Djeṯ the Osprey when he keeps crying for his grandpa to share a type of fish that he knows he‘s not allowed to have. His mother, grandmother and sister also turn into Djeṯ when they keep crying about the fact that the boy has turned into Djeṯ under reasonable reasons of cultural discipline.(8:35)

2 - Hunting Story

Traditional Yolŋu Story accompanied by rich sound design. This story follows on from the first Djeṯ radio play, when the boy grows to be a young hunter called Bamapama, who continues to be both man and at times, Djeṯ the Osprey. As a hunter he catches and takes marandjalk (stingray) to the parents of his new love. They unfortunately think it’s a trick and is really dog tongue and attack him. Wounded, he transforms into Djeṯ and flies away to his nest.

3 - Spear story

Traditional Yolŋu Story accompanied by rich sound design. Disclaimer: Contains a violent ending - Yolŋu Radio advises parents to ensure children do not hear this program. This story follows on from the previous two plays. Bamapama is a good hunter and dancer, his friend Balidirra is a good singer. After fishing one day they have buŋgul (a dance ceremony) and make sure all the women come to dance. Bamapama has a wife and children but he wants more. He is greedy and selfish and immature in his ways. When he doesn‘t get what he wants he flies into a rage... (13:40)

4 - Billabong story

Traditional Yolŋu comedy story, with narrator and acted out as a radio play accompanied by rich sound design. The adventures of Bamapama continue... This cheeky character is back with a new mischievous plot. While fishing down the billabong he disappears and puts fish blood over his leg and starts wailing for help from two beautiful sisters. They come to his aid, thinking he has badly hurt himself. But Bamapama has tricked them and convinces them that they must take care of him in the bush. How long will it be before the truth is uncovered? (15:33)